York City Research Articles

Determining sources of air pollution exposure inequity in New York City through land-use regression modeling of PM2.5 constituents

Determining sources of air pollution exposure inequity in New York City through land-use regression modeling of PM2.5 constituents

Community severance and road safety in New York City

Community severance and road safety in New York City

Examining Energy Insecurity in New York City Through StreetTalk: A Novel Street Intercept Interview Method for Rapid Social Media Dissemination

Examining Energy Insecurity in New York City Through StreetTalk: A Novel Street Intercept Interview Method for Rapid Social Media Dissemination

Variations in levels of Black Carbon particulate matter by walkways and time of day in New York City

Variations in levels of Black Carbon particulate matter by walkways and time of day in New York City

Price Too High: Injury and Assault Among Delivery Gig Workers in New York City

Price Too High: Injury and Assault Among Delivery Gig Workers in New York City

Hair Care Product Exposure Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Feasibility of a Mixed-Methods Educational Intervention Study

Hair Care Product Exposure Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Feasibility of a Mixed-Methods Educational Intervention Study

Trends in risk from air pollution and attributable burden of asthma and cardiovascular morbidity in New York City

Trends in risk from air pollution and attributable burden of asthma and cardiovascular morbidity in New York City

Disproportionate exposure to air pollution and social adversity among patients with sickle cell disease in New York City

Disproportionate exposure to air pollution and social adversity among patients with sickle cell disease in New York City

Assessing the burden and health implications of service interruptions in New York City public housing.

Assessing the burden and health implications of service interruptions in New York City public housing.

Wildfire smoke events were not associated with healthcare utilization for pediatric asthma in a large New York City cohort

Wildfire smoke events were not associated with healthcare utilization for pediatric asthma in a large New York City cohort

Driving While Brown: The American Road Trip in H.M. Naqvi’s Home Boy

ABSTRACT H.M. Naqvi’s novel Home Boy features three men of Pakistani background who embark on a cab ride from New York City to Westbrook, Connecticut. They wish to check on an elusive character, Mohammed Shah (a.k.a. the Pakistani Gatsby or the Shaman), who is missing after 9/11. I analyze this journey, known as the “Shaman Run,” as an American road trip. For critical analysis, I synthesize Nancy Leong’s concepts of “open road” and “traffic stop narratives,” highlighting the racialization of American roads, with Sarah Sharma’s notion of “Brown Space” regarding the post-9/11 criminalization of cabdrivers with ties to the Global South. I argue that the Shaman Run begins as an open road narrative but is transformed into a traffic stop narrative overlaid with Brown Space, leading to a reconsideration of the possibilities of open road narratives. Naqvi incorporates elements of road trip fiction in Home Boy to recount how certain Americans did not regard Muslims as fellow mourners in the aftermath of 9/11. Writers and filmmakers from Pakistan and the Pakistani Diaspora have depicted the othering of Muslims in post-9/11 America, but Naqvi is distinctive in foregrounding this theme by repurposing a well-known genre of American literature.

Exposure to fine particulate matter in the New York City subway system during home-work commute.

The New York City (NYC) subway system accommodates 5.5 million daily commuters, and the environment within the subway is known to have high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. Naturally, subway air pollution varies among individuals according to their mobility patterns, introducing the possibility of inequality in PM2.5 exposure. This study aims to evaluate individual and community-level exposure to subway PM2.5. We simulated the intracity home-to-work trip patterns using the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) records of 3.1 million working commuters across 34,169 census blocks in four boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx) of NYC. We incorporated the on-platform and on-train measured PM2.5 concentration data for the entire subway system. The mean underground platform concentration in the city was 139 μg/m3 with a standard deviation of 25 μg/m3, while the on-train concentration when underground was 99 μg/m3 with a standard deviation of 21 μg/m3. Using a network model, we determined the exposure of individual commuters during their daily home-work trips. We quantified the mean per capita exposure at the census block level by considering the proportion of workers within the blocks who rely on the subway for their work commute. Results indicate statistically significant weak positive correlation between elevated subway PM2.5 exposure and economically disadvantaged and racial minority groups.

Double‐edged stars: Michelin stars, reactivity, and restaurant exits in New York City

AbstractResearch SummaryThis article develops a theoretical framework to explicate how third parties, who are not transactionally involved in a given exchange relationship, can promote or impede the creation and capture of value by influencing market actor beliefs and behaviors. I investigate these issues empirically through an abductive mixed‐method case study of the Michelin Guide's entry into New York City. An examination of two decades of the openings and closings of New York City's elite restaurants indicates that receiving a Michelin star corresponded to an increased likelihood of restaurant exit. Michelin stars appear to have fostered disruptions at recipients' upstream and downstream interfaces, which inhibited their ability to capture value. This ultimately underscores how value network reactivity to third‐party evaluations may lead to unintended consequences for firms.Managerial SummaryThis article explains how third‐party evaluators' reviews, ratings, and rankings can promote or impede the creation and capture of value. This occurs because third‐party evaluations engender reactions by those being evaluated, as well as reactions by other market actors such as competitors and exchange partners. I study these issues within the context of the Michelin Guide's entry into New York City, and my findings indicate that restaurants that received a Michelin star were more likely to close in subsequent years. Evidence suggests that intensified bargaining problems with landlords, suppliers, and employees, along with heightened consumer expectations, created new challenges for these Michelin‐starred restaurants, which ultimately made it more difficult for them to stay in business.

Skyrocketing pollution: assessing the environmental fate of July 4th fireworks in New York City.

Pyrotechnic displays often lead to significant increases in poor air quality. The widespread environmental fate-involving air, water, and spatial-temporal analyses-of fireworks-produced pollutants has seldom been investigated. This study examined the environmental fate of pollutants from the largest fireworks event in the U.S.: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York City (NYC). Real-time PM2.5 and gravimetric PM2.5 and PM10 were collected at locations along the East River of NYC. Airborne particles were assayed for trace elements (X-ray fluorescence) and organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC). River water samples were evaluated by ICP-MS for heavy-metal water contamination. Spatial-temporal analyses were created using PM2.5 concentrations reported by both EPA and PurpleAir monitoring networks for NYC and 5 other major metropolitan areas. The fireworks event resulted in large increases in PM2.5 mass concentrations at the river-adjacent sampling locations. While background control PM2.5 was 10-15 µg/m3, peak real-time PM2.5 levels exceeded 3000 µg/m3 at one site and 1000 µg/m3 at two other locations. The integrated gravimetric PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations during the fireworks event ranged from 162 to 240 µg/m3 and 252 to 589 µg/m3, respectively. Zn, Pb, Sb, and Cu more than doubled in river water samples taken after the event, while S, K, Ba, Cu, Mg, Fe, Sr, Ti, and Zn increased in airborne PM2.5 from the fireworks. Data from hyperlocal monitoring networks for NYC and other metropolitan areas yielded similar, but generally smaller, increases in PM2.5 levels. Fireworks shows have been associated with environmental contamination. This comprehensive analysis considers the fate of pollutants from the largest annual U.S. pyrotechnic show through air, water, and hyperlocal temporal characterization.

Police coercive actions and citizen complaints: a comparison of NYPD precincts

PurposeThis study explores the influence of police coercive actions during Stop, Question, and Frisk (SQF) encounters on citizen complaints of police misconduct in 76 precincts in New York City.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from NYPD's SQF reports, Citizen Complaint Review Board, and demographic measures, the analysis focuses on specific coercive actions (frisk, search, summons, physical force, and arrest) and their association with citizen complaints (excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, and offensive language).FindingsBivariate and multivariate analyses revealed frequent lower-level coercive actions, such as frisks and summons, are linked to increased citizen complaints. Surprisingly, higher levels of coercive actions involving force and arrests do not substantially impact complaints, challenging conventional assumptions.Practical implicationsThe research underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and positive police-community relations. Addressing precinct-specific characteristics influencing the relationship between coercive actions and citizen complaints is crucial for fostering a more constructive and accountable policing approach in New York City precincts.Originality/valueThis study challenges assumptions by providing a distinctive perspective on the impact of police coercive actions during SQF encounters on citizen complaints. The unexpected finding that higher levels of coercive actions, typically involving force and arrests, do not substantially impact complaints contributes to the discourse on police-community interactions, offering a nuanced understanding of the relationship between specific coercive actions and citizen complaints.

A Retrospective Study of Cat Hoarding Cases and Their Management Through Voluntary Spay/Neuter and Relinquishment In New York City

Introduction: Animal hoarding cases are complex sources of shelter intake. Cases require significant planning, collaboration, and resources, often from multiple responding organizations. Study objectives included description of cat hoarding cases in New York City not criminally pursued, case outcomes when managed by a spay/neuter and relinquishment program utilizing a collaborative approach with caregivers, and characteristics or interventions leading to better outcomes. Methods: Data were extracted from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Community Engagement (CE) case files. Eligible cases were retrieved using a keyword search and screened for inclusion criteria. Client demographics, case factors, and outcomes were described with descriptive statistics. Data were further analyzed using adjusted logistic regression models to investigate variables predictive of outcomes. Results: The study population included 79 cases with a median population size of 22 cats. The majority of clients were female, lived alone, and had high levels of social vulnerability. Object hoarding was reported in 29.1% of cases and unsanitary conditions in 68.4% of cases. Almost one-third (30.4%) identified as rescuers or community cat caregivers. At the time of the first interaction with CE, 88.6% of clients were interested in spay/neuter and 76.0% in surrender services. Social service agencies were involved in the initial CE intervention in 26.4% of cases. Successful outcomes were defined as cases in which clients were left with a manageable population of cats, or all cats were removed. Successful outcomes were achieved in 67.1% of cases after the first CE intervention. Recidivism occurred in 41.5% of these cases. Clients who showed an initial interest in surrender were 10 times more likely (OR 10.0, P = 0.014) to experience a successful outcome than clients not interested in surrender. Significant predictors of re-collection included clients identifying as rescuers (OR 4.8, P = 0.039) and the involvement of human service agencies during or after the CE intervention (OR 6.1, P = 0.041). Conclusion: Results demonstrate animal hoarding cases involving cooperative caregivers and rescuers can be successfully managed by programs using a collaborative approach with clients. The high rates of initial interest in spay/neuter and surrender in caregivers suggest a need to expand access to veterinary care and strategically manage case intake into shelters. Further interdisciplinary research is needed on how mental health, social service, and animal service providers can attain successful outcomes long-term and reduce recidivism in animal hoarding cases.

Healthcare Utilization and Chronic Disease Management for Non-Medicaid-Eligible Patients in a City-Wide Safety-Net Healthcare Access Program.

In 2019, New York City (NYC) launched NYC Care (NYCC), a healthcare access program through NYC Health + Hospitals (H + H) for individuals who are ineligible for federally funded health insurance programs or cannot purchase insurance through the State Marketplace, predominantly undocumented individuals. To examine the sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare use patterns, and chronic disease quality measures for diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension among NYCC patients compared with Medicaid patients seen at NYC H + H. Observational study. Adults aged 18years and older enrolled in NYCC (N = 83,003) or Medicaid (N = 512,012) as of January 1, 2022. Patients were included if they had at least one visit between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare use patterns, and quality measures for DM and hypertension. NYCC patients (n = 83,003) were, on average, older, more likely to be Hispanic with Spanish as their preferred language, had more comorbidities, and had more primary care (adjusted incidence rate ratio 2.75 [95% confidence interval 2.71, 2.80]) and specialty care (2.22 [2.17, 2.26]) visits compared to Medicaid patients (n = 512,012). Rates of emergency department visits were similar between the two groups (1.02 [1.00, 1.04]), but NYCC patients had relatively fewer hospitalizations (0.64 [0.62, 0.67]). NYCC patients with DM or hypertension had higher rates of having a documented hemoglobin A1c or blood pressure in 2022, respectively, and clinically similar rates of chronic disease control (mean difference in hemoglobin A1c - 0.05 [- 0.09, - 0.01] in patients with DM and mean difference in blood pressure - 0.38 [- 0.67, - 0.10]/ - 0.64 [- 0.82, - 0.46]) compared with Medicaid patients. NYCC effectively enrolled a large number of uninsured participants and provided them with healthcare access similar to that of Medicaid patients. Future studies should evaluate the impact of NYCC enrollment on healthcare utilization and disease outcomes.

A Comprehensive Survey of 2024 Funding for Radiation Oncology Visiting Medical Student Electives.

Visiting electives provide an opportunity for medical students to engage with radiation oncology (RO) programs, likely influencing residency match outcomes. However, some student's out-of-pocket costs may be prohibitive, and in attempts to offset the financial burden of visiting electives, particularly for students underrepresented in medicine (URiM), some institutions offer scholarships. Here, we characterized the current domestic landscape of funded RO electives. Visiting electives were identified through the FREIDA and VSLO databases in April 2024. Funded elective availability and departmental characteristics were identified via internet search by two independent reviewers. Fisher's exact test was used to determine whether there was a difference in the distribution of scholarships across the US due to the small sample size. Ninety-two visiting electives were identified, with 40 programs offering URiM elective scholarships (43.5%). Twelve (30%) were funded specifically by RO departments, and 28 (70%) were part of broader institutional URiM scholarship initiatives. The median stipend provided was $2000 (IQR $500), range $1000-$5000. Analysis of scholarships by US census division and metro area revealed unequal distribution. Electives in New England, Mountain, and East North Central divisions had higher funding proportion compared to electives in the East South Central, West South Central, and Middle Atlantic divisions. Only 1/9 electives in New York City were funded compared with 4/6 in Los Angeles. Departments with funded electives had more faculty physicians and medical residents. In our review of the 2024 landscape, over 40% of RO electives offer financial support. However, we identified geographical disparities in the distribution of scholarships, highlighting the need for interventions to address unequal access to a wide array of training programs. Our study represents a valuable resource for students interested in RO and highlights the continued need to positively contribute to increasing diversity in the field. Future work exploring the impact of funded electives is needed.

Resistance and Transformative Possibilities: New York City Youth’s Photo-Narrative Exploration of Belonging and Othering

Resistance and Transformative Possibilities: New York City Youth’s Photo-Narrative Exploration of Belonging and Othering

Ticket Punch: The Consequences of Fare Evasion Enforcement in New York City Subways

Ticket Punch: The Consequences of Fare Evasion Enforcement in New York City Subways